A Special Bond with Grandparents

“Grandparents, like heroes, are as necessary to a child's growth as vitamins.” -- Joyce Allston

Whether it’s baking the most amazing pies or knitting a favorite sweater, our grandparents do so much for us in small but meaningful acts. That’s why this September 8th is Grandparents Day! In the 1950s, Virginia housewife Marian McQuade felt there was a need to bring attention and honor grandparents with a national holiday like Mother’s or Father’s Day. After many years of lobbying Congress, in 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.

As stated in the preamble to the statute, the purpose of the holiday is "to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

Take time this Grandparents Day to do something kind in return for all they have done for you. Bake a delicious dessert for them, watch a movie together or just talk - anything you do will surely put a smile on their face. Here are some fun and easy activities you can do with your grandparents!

Plant forget-me-nots

These tiny blue flowers are the official flower of Grandparents Day. Buy a bouquet and show your appreciation, or better yet, give your grandparent a forget-me-not pot and help plant them in the garden.

Interview them

Our grandparents have stories to tell. Pretend you’re a reporter (recorder not required) and interview them as if you were writing an article about their life. You may just be surprised to find out they fought in a war, traveled the world or was voted employee of the year. Take time to craft your questions beforehand and introduce yourself as if you were a writer for a real or made-up newspaper. Your grandparents will be overjoyed to recount stories of their youth and reflect on happy memories.

Go on a picnic

A picnic in the park is an easy yet lovely way to spend an afternoon with a grandparent. Pack their favorite snacks and find a shady spot to enjoy good conversation and food.

Do a fun craft

Crafts aren’t just for kids! Decorate a picture frame with stickers, colored markers or paint and put a photo of you and your grandparents in the frame. Make a time capsule out of a shoebox and put photos, trinkets and other mementos in the box to be opened in a few years.

Bake something yummy

Baking together is a great way to bond with your grandparents and has a delicious result. Find out their favorite sweet treat and bring the ingredients to assemble and bake it together. They say food is the fastest way to someone’s heart, so show your grandparents you really care by helping to make a delicious dessert.

Solve a puzzle or crossword

Did you know solving a puzzle is good for your brain? Solving a puzzle or crossword can reduce the effect of aging in the brain and memory loss. Brain exercises like these are especially important for senior citizens, as they help generate new cells which keep the brain functioning properly. Doing a puzzle with your grandparent is a fun way to spend time together while helping keep their mind sharp.

Go on a movie date

Take your grandparents out for a special night out with a movie date. Let them pick the movie, get your popcorn or candy fix and sit back and enjoy a movie. They say laughter is the best medicine, so try to find a movie that will make you both laugh!

We all want our grandparents to continue living happy and healthy lives. Even if you can’t be there this Grandparents Day, encourage them to get active, try something new or spend time with friends. Our line of science-backed supplements, including products for healthy aging and joints, can also help your grandparents stay mentally and physically active.

Cherish your grandparents and let them know how special they are!